French Theatre (Théatre Français), from Essai de Papilloneries Humaines par Saint Aubin 1751 - 1765

This is an etching called "French Theatre," made by Charles Germain de Saint-Aubin sometime in the 18th century. Saint-Aubin has used ink applied to a metal plate to create this composition. The resulting lines create an allegorical scene, complete with a theatrical stage and fanciful insect actors. The sharp lines define the naturalistic decorative elements that frame the scene, and contribute to the whimsical and theatrical atmosphere, but it is the process of etching itself that holds the key. Consider the labor involved in producing such a finely detailed print. Etching demanded technical skill, as well as access to tools and materials. It was part of a print industry that served the elite. So, while this image presents a fantasy world, it's important to remember that the very making of the print, and its consumption, were closely tied to the social structures of its time. By understanding the material and making, we get a richer sense of the artwork's cultural significance.